Assistant Director​/Head of Reference, Parker Memorial Library; Dracut

Assistant Director/Head of Reference, Parker Memorial Library (Dracut)

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Library Director, the Assistant Director / Head of Reference is responsible for providing reference services using resources in various formats and interpreting library policies and procedures in the absence of the Library Director.

Supervisory Responsibility:
Works under the general direction of the Library Director, according to established procedures and departmental policies and standards; duties require independent judgement and initiative. Supervises staff and volunteers as needed.

• Work closely with the Library Director to implement exemplary library services.
• Assist patrons with inter‑library loan requests.
• Supervise personnel in the absence of the Library Director.
• Serve as the building supervisor in the absence of the Library Director.
• Conceive, design, and implement various cultural, educational, and recreational programs for adult patrons.
• Provide outstanding reference services using the library’s collections, electronic resources, and materials in other formats.
• Understand and train patrons on how to verify and vet source material.
• Administer procurement and distribution of Federal and State tax forms.
• Assist the Library Director in recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of personnel.
• Participate in the library’s strategic planning and annual reporting.
• Oversee the development and culling of the library’s nonfiction collection.
• Interpret library policies and procedures in the absence of the Library Director.
• Use scheduling software to set the schedule of service desks.
• Perform other similar or related work as assigned or required.

Education & Experience:

Masters in Library Science (MLS) from an accredited ALA certified institution, or equivalent experience, required.

Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a public library, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity, preferably in a union environment.

• Thorough understanding of library theories and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to apply professional library practices with an emphasis on reference, administration, and inter‑library loan procedures.
• Familiarity with basic reference resources and a general knowledge of human civilization and literature to facilitate reference and inter‑library loan work and selection duties.
• Ability to interact with and assist patrons with the use of the library facility, services, and technology in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to maintain strict patron confidentiality; knowledge of ethics as applicable to library service; familiarity with ALA Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read statements; remains current on other ALA actions and recommendations.
• Familiarity with recent advancements in library automation systems.
• Proficient in keyboarding skills and office software.
• Ability to learn new computer applications.
• Ability to exercise tact, initiative, independent judgment, and confidentiality consistent with library policies.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff and a positive support/service attitude with the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and on the telephone.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Participate in professional organizations by attending conferences, committee meetings, and continuing education classes to develop job‑related competencies and keep apprised of changes in the library field.

• Stand, walk, sit, and use hands for handling or feeling objects.
• Reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities may include close vision and distance vision.

Full Time

MLS/Masters

$58,640.00- $81,204.00/year

Anticipated hiring range: $58,640.40 - $70,033.00 annually depending on qualifications and experience (paid weekly)

Submit resumes to HR online at the town’s website. Applications are being reviewed immediately on a rolling basis. Position will remain open until filled.